Concerned about team chemistry after a loud verbal disagreement between Dez Bryant and Joseph Randle carried over onto the practice field Friday, Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett met individually with those two players and an equally incensed Josh Brent later that day and then discussed the subject with the entire team on Saturday, according to league sources.
The meeting was described as tense, and Garrett seriously considered whether Randle’s continued presence on the team might be an impediment to harmony in the locker room.
When asked if Randle would play on Sunday against the Cardinals and remain part of the team, one source answered, “Randle is staying for now.”
Randle is the backup to NFL rushing leader DeMarco Murray and his role has increased in recent weeks as the Cowboys attempt to avoid overworking Murray.
Bryant and Brent were furious about Randle mentioning their legal problems to Frisco police as he was being booked into jail for shoplifting charges. The tape has since become public, revealing to the players what Randle said about them while he expressed to the police concerns the Cowboys might suspend him.
While he may avoid further punishment from the team, Randle apparently has been ostracized by some teammates. The Cowboys fined Randle the equivalent of a game check for the shoplifting arrest.
The Cowboys have Lance Dunbar and veteran Ryan Williams (practice squad) on the roster at running back.
25% Bonus via Western Union
